Ancient word of the day: Thalassophile

A thalassophile is a lover of the sea or someone who is powerfully drawn to and by the ocean. This ancient word comes from the Ancient Greek θάλασσα (thálassa, “sea”), and φίλος (phílos, “dear, beloved”).

I took this photo on Enoshima Island in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan back in early October last year. As the sun set, I was overcome by the realisation that beyond the water there was no other large landmass until America or New Zealand. Enoshima Island was once ruled over by an ancient goddess of entertainment and good times, something that I could sense in the atmosphere of the place. It was the most laid-back part of Japan I visited. I definitely felt an attraction to the place and could live there!